Jurgen Klopp describes Liverpool's win over Ajax as one of his biggest victories in Europe

Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool’s win over Ajax is ‘one of the BIGGEST Champions League nights we have had’ as injury-hit Reds seal top spot in group – with Anfield boss reserving special praise for youngsters Caoimhin Kelleher and Curtis Jones

  • Liverpool moved to the Champions League knockouts with a 1-0 win over Ajax 
  • Curtis Jones’ strike was the difference between the two sides on Tuesday 
  • Jurgen Klopp described the win as one of his biggest in European competition
  • The Reds were indebted to rookie goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher who excelled

Jurgen Klopp described Liverpool’s victory over Ajax as one of his biggest in Europe as they reached the knockout phase with a game to spare.

Liverpool’s manager was emotional at the final whistle and gave special attention to goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, goalscorer Curtis Jones and young right back Neco Williams for the roles they played in securing a 1-0 success that means they have won Group D.

Klopp has been involved in some dramatic group stage games at Anfield, against teams such as Paris Saint-Germain, Spartak Moscow and Napoli, but — even without fans in the stadium — he felt this was comparable due to the circumstances Liverpool have faced.

Jurgen Klopp described Liverpool's win over Ajax as one of his biggest ever in Europe

Jurgen Klopp described Liverpool’s win over Ajax as one of his biggest ever in Europe

The Reds beat their Dutch opponents 1-0 thanks to Curtis Jones' (above) second-half goal

The Reds beat their Dutch opponents 1-0 thanks to Curtis Jones’ (above) second-half goal

‘Honestly, since I’ve been at Liverpool, it feels (like) one of the biggest Champions League nights we (have) had and for sure, without supporters in, it was the most important and the most difficult and the most exceptional game,’ said Klopp. 

‘Hendo had a proper knock in his back, Gini (Wijnaldum) played whatever number game, I don’t want to say.

‘I hope he can carry on. We defended like devils. It is not that we played the best football. 

‘This is the situation we are in, that is what you make of it and we are top of the group after matchday five and we’ve never done that before. It is unbelievably good.’

Klopp was indebted to rookie goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher on his Champions League debut

The Irishman made several crucial stops including a late one from Klass-Jan Huntelaar (above)

The Irishman made several crucial stops including a late one from Klass-Jan Huntelaar (above)

Klopp embraces Neco Williams after the game

Andy Robertson received a big hug from Klopp at the final whistle

Klopp dished out the hugs at the final whistle to Neco Williams and Andy Robertson

The performance of Kelleher, who was making his Champions League debut, was huge. He made a superb save from Klass-Jan Huntelaar in the final minutes to preserve Liverpool’s lead and vindicated Klopp’s decision to play him ahead of Adrian to replace the hamstrung Alisson Becker.

‘I really think Adrian did an incredible job for us when he came in last season and at the beginning of the season – I don’t know how many clean sheets’, said Klopp. 

‘Super Cup final, Champions League, played everywhere, but in this game, we needed the natural football-playing ability of Caoimhin and because he’s a really good shotstopper as well. 

‘We made that decision and then you never know. All the boys are calm in the moment when they get the information, but there’s a difference to be there on the pitch and I’m really happy with how he dealt with it and how calm he was and how good he was. It was a good game. 

Kelleher added: ‘It was amazing. The most important thing was to get the win.

‘Thankfully I was able to make a few saves. That’s what I’m there for. It’s quite easy for me because when the players in front of me give the ball back to me, they always make the easy options.’

Klopp also praised matchwinner Curtis Jones, who profited from an Andre Onana blunder to give Liverpool all three points.

Curtis Jones was the hero of the night as he scored the only goal to send Liverpool through

Curtis Jones was the hero of the night as he scored the only goal to send Liverpool through

The youngster kept his composure to tap in from a tight angle after Andre Onana's blunder

The youngster kept his composure to tap in from a tight angle after Andre Onana’s blunder

He said: ‘He’s a really good kid to be honest. He’s a really good player and I’m really happy to have him around. That’s how it is sometimes. 

‘When you have problems, there’s always an opportunity for somebody else and he took it exceptionally well and I’m really, really happy for him.’

Klopp also revealed he shared some words with teenage right-back Neco Williams, who put in a sterling shift just days after he was hooked at Brighton for a torrid first-half where he gave away a penalty.

‘We had a long talk this week. We both thought he has so much more in the locker than he showed so far, but that’s exactly the situation when it’s the right moment for a young boy to come in. 

‘The season started after a really difficult summer with lockdown and nobody knew when we can go on again and a short pre-season and then, all of a sudden, Trent is out with Covid and then he [Williams] has to play early and was not in the best shape in the games in that moment. 

‘All players have these moments. Then you’re on the big stage. That’s not easy, but tonight he showed at least glimpses – he can be so much better even – but tonight he showed that it’s all good.’

source: dailymail.co.uk